BE TRULY PRESENT TO THE REAL PRESENCE.

BE TRULY PRESENT TO THE REAL PRESENCE.
At the 1960’s Second Vatican Council, Saint Paul VI wrote, “This presence is called ‘real’ not to exclude the idea that the others are ‘real’ too, but rather to indicate presence par excellence, because it is substantial and through it Christ becomes present whole and entire, God and man.” Because of this, the Church prescribes rites and actions to reaffirm and bolster our faith in the Real Presence. Among them are, primarily, our worship of the Blessed Sacrament outside of holy Mass: Eucharistic Exposition, Adoration, and Benediction; Eucharistic Processions; and Forty Hours Devotions. We are directed to reverently genuflect before the Blessed Sacrament reserved in the Tabernacle, refraining from all food and drink (except water and medicine) for one hour before, and bowing one’s head just before receiving Holy Communion. We must confess all mortal sins before receiving Holy Communion, or if no Priest is available, to make a good Act of Contrition and get to Confession ASAP. And we must never stop learning about the Eucharist or miss a weekly dose of this grace-filled Gift! Father Maria Joseph Kodiganti